Grid Collapses Again: States Take Power Into Their Own Hands, Unveil Major Energy Projects (Full List)

Grid Collapses Again: States Take Power Into Their Own Hands, Unveil Major Energy Projects (Full List)

Amid the recurring collapses of Nigeria’s national power grid, which have plunged the nation into days of darkness, various states are intensifying efforts to develop independent power plants to ensure a stable and affordable power supply.….CONTINUE READING

According to Saturday PUNCH, while some states have already begun power generation initiatives, others are further along in their plans.

The national grid, which connects power stations across the country to end-users, has collapsed 10 times between January and November 7, 2024. The most recent collapse occurred on Tuesday, followed by another disturbance on Thursday, causing widespread blackouts.

As of Friday evening, 2,306.35MW of power had been restored, according to an update on the official X handle of the Nigeria National Grid.

Between 2015 and 2024, the grid has failed approximately 110 times. Notably, under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the grid collapsed 93 times. Between June 2023 and November 2024, the grid experienced 17 collapses.

This persistent instability, coupled with high electricity tariffs, has pushed state governments to explore independent power generation.

Since the power sector was deregulated in 2023 with the signing of the new Electricity Act by President Bola Tinubu, states are now empowered to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their borders.

As of now, at least 12 states have shown a strong commitment to pursuing their own power generation initiatives.

Lagos Leads with Gas-Fired Power Hubs
Lagos State is at the forefront, establishing four gas-fired power hubs, each with a minimum capacity of 100MW. The state has invited independent power producers and energy firms to submit bids for the construction of these plants. Lagos’s House of Assembly is also reviewing the Lagos State Electricity Bill 2024, which aims to create a largely independent electricity market separate from the national grid.

Lagos’s energy needs exceed 6GW, while the national grid currently provides under 2GW at peak times.

Ekiti Grants Licenses for Independent Power Generation
Ekiti State has issued operational licenses to 14 electricity investors, including companies for generation, distribution, and mini-grid projects. The state, which receives only 20-25MW from the national grid, is aiming to boost power supply to 130MW with a more localized energy network.

Osun and Ogun Begin Their Own Power Projects
Osun State has initiated plans for independent power generation, including a mini-hydro project at Ikeji-Ile. Similarly, Ogun State is exploring the potential of the Oyan Dam to generate power, with the creation of a Ministry of Energy to oversee the state’s electricity needs.

Rivers State Pushing Ahead with Gas Turbine Projects
Rivers State has four gas turbine projects capable of generating over 450MW of electricity. The state is upgrading these turbines and inviting private investors to help maximize their potential.

Benue, Kogi, and Gombe Follow Suit
Benue State is working on a power plant aimed at boosting local development. Kogi has passed a law to establish its own electricity company, while Gombe has signed an MoU with China18th Engineering for a 100MW solar plant to enhance energy self-sufficiency.

Nasarawa and Edo States Take Action
Nasarawa State’s House of Assembly has passed a bill allowing for state-run power generation to address ongoing electricity shortages. Meanwhile, the 95MW Ossiomo Power Plant in Edo is already providing reliable electricity to government offices and local businesses.

Renewable Energy Initiatives in Kaduna
Kaduna State is exploring solar energy, with plans to generate between 50MW and 300MW across three local government areas. Governor Uba Sani is in talks with the Minister of Power to boost the state’s renewable energy efforts.

Challenges in Adamawa and Zamfara
In Adamawa, the Kiri Dam electricity project has been stalled by the current administration, while Zamfara has joined northern governors in plans to establish a regional independent power plant.